Secretary of State Brian Kemp's Professional Licensing Boards Division is moving applications for licensure faster than ever before. In fiscal year 2017, the division broke two records with processing times for licensure applications at all-time lows: an average of 17 days for first-time applications and 3.8 days for renewal applications. Kemp attributes this success to new technology and streamlined operations.

“Technology continues to improve within the agency as we implement innovative solutions for Georgia’s workforce,” stated Secretary Kemp. “The less time you have to worry about paperwork, the more time that you have to focus on earning your livelihood in this great state.”

In fiscal year 2017, PLB received 54,592 applications for professional licensure in Georgia. Overall, the boards issued 41,101 licenses. Dedicated staff at PLB provided administrative support to 396 board and committee meetings, conference calls, and citation hearings.

The boards also issued 1,190 orders – 705 public consent orders, 380 private consent orders, and 105 voluntary cease and desist orders – against entities engaged in illegal, unlicensed practice.

At the beginning of this year, PLB rolled out a new feature for individuals to upload documentation for licensure applications. This option has resulted in significantly improved processing times. In June, the division also announced a new online verification system where individuals can request and obtain proof of licensure in Georgia, resulting in faster turnaround for individuals trying to transfer their licenses to other states.

Almost all of the 182 license types offered through the Secretary of State’s office are now renewable online, and barber shops, cosmetology salons, and dietician licenses are recent additions to the types of initial applications that you can file online.

The Secretary of State’s office provides administrative support to 41 professional licensing boards and advisory groups. Currently, the office licenses nearly 500,000 individuals and entities. 

“Our mission is to make Georgia the best place for business, big and small,” said Kemp. “When we can put Georgians to work faster, we are accomplishing this important objective.”